Vilsack and King Debate At Spencer

(Spencer) -- The two candidates seeking the position of Iowa's 4th District Congressional seat met for the second time, but for the first time in front of a live audience during a debate held Saturday at the Clay County Fair at Spencer. The tone of the debate between Republican Steve King and Democrat Christie Vilsack was at times candid, pointed, and tense. Vilsack continued her critical comments of King by saying he is an embarrassment to Iowa. King shot back by saying that Vilsack and the liberal left, continue to distort his comments, and take a small comment and make it a headline of lies. Vilsack began by telling the crowd of more than 500 why she is seeking the position of Congresswoman. Vilsack says she wants to protect Iowa's small towns.

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Vilsack was unable to finish her comment as she was interrupted by the debate's moderator for going beyond her allowable time.

King, informed the group how he and his wife built a earth moving construction company and that it is time to "Restore the American Dream, together."

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The first question had to deal with the Affordable Health Care Act, sometimes referred to as "Obamacare." The candidates were asked if they were to write a healthcare bill, what three things would they include for healthcare? Vilsack responded by saying she would want to see children remain on their parent's insurance plan until they were of the age 26. She also advocated a plan in which the patient would pay for healthcare results instead of services.

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King says he would first repeal the Affordable Health Care Act. He told the crowd that one way health care costs could be reduced was to allow insurance companies to sell policies across state lines, which would allow for more competition.

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A sharp contrast was noted when the candidates were asked about the farm bill legislation. Democrat Vilsack says the pending farm bill is the "Most Important Legislation for Iowans" and she was critical of King for failing on his leadership to get the farm bill passed in the House of Representatives. The two candidates differed on the SNAP or food stamp program.

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King says the farm bill did pass through the Agricultural Committee which he is a member. He informed the crowd that there have been several documented cases of fraud involving the nutritional food assistance program, and he says that needs to stop.

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During the debate, the candidates were also asked questions regarding Social Security, government regulations, Immigration, and Education.